"No partial counts will be done or reported, formally or informally," Judge Lewis wrote in his order.

And they pressed for evidentiary hearings before any counting could begin - to "educate" Judge Lewis on the fine points of their case.

After hearing arguments, Judge Lewis denied the preliminary injunction.

In 1997, the Court of Appeal upheld Judge Lewis' decision.

Earlier this week, Judge Lewis ordered her not to use her powers arbitrarily.

But the day's first ruling by Judge Lewis was a setback for the Democrats.

They were returned under Judge Lewis's order less than two weeks later.

The lawyers had only filed a motion to appeal Judge Lewis's decision, and earlier in the day they weren't even sure they would do that.

Professor Fox said whatever message Judge Lewis might be trying to send was probably not reaching the intended audience.

The test Judge Lewis allowed has been fought for years.